Time to Pick a Linebacker in Round 5!
Don't Mock the Draft, Decide It RD 5!
With four rounds in the rearview mirror, PantherNation realizes this is the part of the draft that wins championships. (Click here to see picks 1-4) Though a close vote in the latest Carolina Cat Chronicles poll, you want to see the Panthers take a LB at pick #168. Good choice, we need depth behind Thomas Davis and Chase Blackburn. We have AJ Klein who shows promise, but we need more depth for sure. And in the 5th RD we are also looking for that Special Teams Ace if possible. Below are five candidates for your consideration. Vote today.
1.
Prince Shembo – This 6’1 253 lb. hometown stud went on to shine for Notre Dame. He played High School football at Audry Kell in Charlotte and was on their first Varsity Team in 2006 as a Freshman. At Notre Dame he had 7.5 sacks last season (14 in his career) and racked up 55 tackles. Could we be bringing him home?
2.
Shaquil Barrett – This Colorado State Star comes in as the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He is 6’2 250 lbs. and finished his three year career with an impressive 18 sacks. This young man would look really good in Carolina’s defense.
3.
Denicos Allen- At 5’11 218, you may not be overwhelmed by his size, but turn on the tape and you will be impressed. Consider he was named 3rd Team All-American, started 40 straight games for Michigan State and finished with 19.5 sacks after three years as a starter. Wow.
4.
Tyler Starr – At 6’5 250 lbs. Tyler is the biggest of your five choices. He’s also quite mobile (as he finished with the second best 3-cone drill time at the Combine of all-time for Linebackers). He is the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year and finished his career with 27 sacks. Most scouts project Tyler as an Outside Linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and would give Carolina flexibility in scheming by mixing in some 3-4.
5.
Marquis Spruill- This Syracuse product may be a little undersized at 6’0 224, but he is steady and always seems to be around the ball. Durable and noted as a Team Captain, this young man has a lot of upside.
So who’s it going to be PantherNation? Make your voice heard. And follow me on Twitter for ongoing Panther Draft discussions: @PantherDrafter